Sigma Xi Recognizes Reinhard with Sigma Xi 2020 Young Faculty Award; Three Sciences Students with Research Honors

The Georgia Tech chapter of Sigma Xi, the scientific research society, has chosen Chris Reinhard, an assistant professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, as the winner of the 2020 Sigma Xi Young Faculty Award.

Sigma Xi has also honored three College of Sciences students with research-related awards.

Reinhard, who joined Georgia Tech in 2014, will receive $3,000. He is the principal investigator of the Earth System Science@Georgia Tech research group, studying biogeochemistry and paleoclimate.

“It's humbling to receive the Sigma Xi Young Faculty Award,” Reinhard says. “Science is never really done in a vacuum, and awards like this must be shared with the great students, postdocs, and collaborators I've been lucky to cross paths with during my career. More than anything else, this award is a testament to how fortunate I have been to end up at an institution full of remarkable faculty, academic professionals, and staff that inspire me to try and be a better scientist, teacher, and colleague every day.”

Reinhard was the co-recipient of the 2017 Eric R. Immel Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching, which honors exemplary teaching of a foundational class by junior faculty.

Reinhard’s research, as detailed on his lab’s website, is focused on “understanding Earth system dynamics across a range of timescales, and on reconstructing the chemical evolution of the oceans and atmosphere.” His research tools include computer models of ocean biogeochemistry and climate, stable isotope tracers, and analysis of modern analog systems “to help further our understanding of Earth system evolution and to help characterize rocky planets beyond our solar system.”

Reinhard discusses his work, including his search for biosignatures on planets and exoplanets, in Episode 2, Season 3 of ScienceMatters, the podcast of the College of Sciences.

Three College of Sciences students are also recognized by Sigma Xi with 2020 honors:

Best Ph.D. Thesis:

Ming Zhao, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Advisory: Younan Xia

Best Undergraduate Research:

Mary Kho, School of Biological Sciences
Advisor: Shuyi Nie

Samuel Delmerico, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Advisor: Jesse McDaniel